Whiteville has received Main Street America Accreditation status for 2026, the North Carolina Department of Commerce said.
Each year, Main Street America and its state coordinating partner, the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, announce the list of programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
“Communities across our state continue to achieve excellence in economic development as they demonstrate what’s possible when people come together with vision and purpose,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Their dedication is a reminder that strong downtowns fuel prosperity and are built through passion, perseverance, and partnership.”
The N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet its rigorous performance standards. These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong foundational framework to review progress, recognize strengths, understand trends, and identify strategies that move Main Street programs forward.
To qualify for Main Street America’s top tier designation, communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy‑driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
“This program reflects our community’s vision, entrepreneurial spirit, attention to detail, and commitment to enhancing quality of life for all residents,” said City Manager Sean Martin. “As Downtown Whiteville continues its revitalization, achieving these rigorous standards is a clear indicator of progress and success. This recognition not only highlights our commitment to growth and preservation, but also strengthens our ability to foster long-term economic development.
“Earning this national designation is a prestigious achievement that helps share Whiteville’s story with visitors while enhancing the overall well-being and pride of those who call our city home.”
“Recieving Main Street America Accreditation once again is a tremendous honor for Downtown Whiteville and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that takes place every day in our community,” said Madison Ward, director of Economic development and the Whiteville Main Street effort. “This designation is not simply an award. It is national recognition that Whiteville continues to meet the highest standards for downtown revitalization, economic development, historic preservation, organizational leadership, and community engagement.”
Ward said the certification shows the combined efforts of government, business and the public are succeeding for the city.
“It validates the work being done by our City Council, Whiteville Downtown Development Commission, local businesses, property owners, volunteers, and community partners who share a vision for a vibrant and thriving downtown.
“We are especially proud that Whiteville is recognized alongside some of North Carolina’s most successful downtown districts. This achievement demonstrates that communities of all sizes can create meaningful impact when they invest in their people, preserve their character, and work together toward a common goal.”
“We are proud to recognize our 2026 Accredited Main Street America programs for their unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of their staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “These programs demonstrate a dedication to investing in the people and places that make their downtown districts special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”
“Our Main Street Accredited communities have demonstrated substantial achievement, driven by a clear vision for resilient downtowns,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center. “Their work reflects a deep commitment to excellence and a belief in what their communities can accomplish through collaboration, determination, and forward‑looking leadership.”
Since 1980, N.C. Main Street programs have leveraged $6.1 billion in public and private investment, created 39,530 net new jobs, and rehabilitated 8,419 downtown buildings. In 2025, N.C. Main Street and Small Town Main Street downtown districts leveraged $518.7 million in public and private investment, 288 net new businesses, 1,925 net new jobs, 364 façade improvements, 293 building rehabilitations, and recorded 127,806 volunteer hours, valued at more than $4.21 million in time.
These improvements to infrastructure and downtown revitalization efforts align with North Carolina’s First in Opportunity strategic economic development plan to enhance community well-being and strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness from Murphy to Manteo.
In addition to Whiteville, other Main Street communities that earned accreditation for their 2025 performance include:
Albemarle, Asheboro, Belmont, Boone, Brevard, Cherryville, Concord, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Elkin, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Goldsboro, Henderson, Hendersonville, Hickory, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Lexington, Lumberton, Manteo, Marion, Mebane, Mooresville, Morehead City, Morganton, Mount Airy, Murphy, New Bern, Newton, Oxford, Pittsboro, Reidsville, Rocky Mount, Roxboro, Salisbury, Sanford, Smithfield, Spruce Pine, Statesville, Sylva, Troy, Tryon, Wake Forest, Waynesville, Waxhaw, Wilson, and Zebulon.
Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
The work is continuing, Ward said.
“As we continue projects like Madison Street Park, Provalus, supporting local businesses, hosting community events, and creating new opportunities for investment, this accreditation serves as both a celebration of what we’ve accomplished and motivation for what lies ahead. “Downtown Whiteville is experiencing tremendous momentum, and we remain committed to building a downtown that serves as the economic and cultural heart of our community for generations to come.”
